Dakota Culture and Language Teacher - FTE - Shakopee High School

Dakota Culture And Language Teacher

Shakopee Public Schools is searching for a 1.0 FTE Dakota Culture and Language Teacher at Shakopee High School to teach one block of Dakota language and culture daily. This person is in charge of the daily delivery of instruction and assessment of student learning. They will use this role to contribute directly to the preservation and growth of the Dakota language and culture, empowering students to develop linguistic skills, cultural identity, and a strong sense of belonging.

The Dakota Language Teacher is responsible for developing and delivering high-quality instruction in the Dakota language while centering Dakota culture, identity, and ways of knowing. This role plays a critical part in language revitalization efforts by creating engaging, culturally grounded learning experiences for students. The teacher fosters a classroom environment that honors Indigenous knowledge systems and builds student pride, proficiency, and connection to the Dakota language and community.

Instruction & Curriculum Design and deliver standards-aligned Dakota language instruction for 9-12 students Develop culturally relevant curriculum that integrates Dakota history, traditions, values, and contemporary perspectives Use a variety of instructional strategies to support language acquisition (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs, including multilingual learners and students with varying levels of prior exposure Language Revitalization and Cultural Integration Support the preservation and revitalization of the Dakota language through authentic, community-connected practices Integrate Dakota cultural teachings, storytelling, and land-based learning into instruction Collaborate with Dakota elders, cultural advisors, and community members to ensure authenticity and respect Promote student identity development and cultural pride Assessment & Student Growth Monitor and assess student progress in language proficiency using a variety of formative and summative assessments Provide timely, meaningful feedback to students and families Use data to inform instruction and support continuous improvement Collaboration & Leadership Collaborate with colleagues to align curriculum, share practices, and support interdisciplinary learning Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development Serve as a resource for staff on culturally responsive and sustaining practices Engage families and community partners in supporting student learning Classroom Environment Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment rooted in relationship-building Establish clear expectations that promote student engagement and responsibility

Qualifications:

Required:

Fluency in the Dakota language (speaking and listening; reading/writing preferred or willingness to develop) Valid MN teaching license or eligibility to obtain licensure (state-specific requirements may vary) in Dakota or American Indian Language and Culture Knowledge of Dakota culture, history, and community practices Commitment to culturally sustaining pedagogy and educational equity Preferred:
Experience teaching Dakota language or other Indigenous/heritage languages Experience working with Indigenous students and communities Familiarity with language revitalization frameworks and immersion or proficiency-based instruction Experience developing curriculum and assessments

Core Competencies:

Cultural humility and responsiveness Strong relationship-building skills Effective communication and collaboration Instructional design and adaptability Commitment to equity and Indigenous sovereignty in education

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and move books and materials. Must be able to spend extended periods standing or sitting.

Pay & Benefits Information (if eligibility requirements are met):
Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance HSA & VEBA options Flexible Spending & Dependent Care options Accidental Injury & Critical Illness Insurance Life Insurance Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) Plan + district contribution 403(B) plan + district contribution Salary ranges from $52,020 to $126,971 depending upon education level and experience.